Sukanto Debnath is a freelance artist from India, currently living in Hungary. He has worked in the animation industry since 2000 and has been freelancing since 2014. His clients include Disney, Google, Facebook, Coca-Cola, Adobe, Sony Pictures Television, Penguin Random House, and others.

“I’m from Hyderabad, born and brought up in West Bengal, and currently living in Hungary. I do illustrations, character design, and storyboards for animation.”

Why are you an Illustrator?
I always wanted to be an artist, from as early as I can remember. I went to Santiniketan for that, but got interested in animation after finding two books in the library, The Art of Animation, and more importantly, a book with brilliant drawings by Heinrich Kley. I was in the animation industry until I moved to Hungary. I started freelancing and focusing on illustration after coming here, mainly because I could do it on my own. In India, I worked as an animator, animation director, and creative director. I was already used to drawing, painting, and working with scripts and briefs. So when people started reaching out for illustrations, I was kind of prepared.
I love doing illustrations, but I want to become a good character designer.

Did you attend school for fine art or design?
Fine Arts, with a specialization in painting. I originally wanted to be a traditional artist.

You have a distinct style of illustration. How long did it take you to develop your style?
Thank you! It’s still a work in progress. I’m still figuring it out, and it keeps evolving.

Were there any particular role models for you when you grew up?
Yes, Jiban Jyoti Mistry. I grew up in Maldah (West Bengal) and knew nothing about sketching from life until he showed me. I was completely blown away.
He was unbelievable. I don’t know how it would compare now, but when I later saw videos of Kim Jung Gi drawing live, it reminded me of him. I once saw him draw a full wedding procession, from memory; a band party, a groom on a horse, people, maybe even a street dog. All clean, final lines. No rough sketch, no underdrawing.
It’s kind of crazy that he’s nowhere online. I’m not even in touch with him anymore, which I feel bad about saying. I haven’t been back to Maldah after high school. I heard he’s building some kind of mechanical engine now.

Who was the most influential personality on your career in Illustrations?
Maybe Carter Goodrich, since he does both character design and illustration. I also really love Nicolas Marlet.

What made you decide to become a freelance illustrator? When did you start freelancing? Do you illustrate for advertising?
I didn’t really decide anything. I came to Hungary in 2014, and I had already started uploading work on Behance in 2013. Before I could even settle in or think about applying for jobs, people started reaching out. I just kept going from there. Yes, I do work for advertising too.

Are many advertising agencies getting illustrations made these days? Do you work more with agencies or publishers?
I’m not really sure. The market does feel a bit slow sometimes.
I mostly work with agencies and animation production companies.

Was there any time when you wanted to quit Illustrations/Animation?
No!

Have you considered turning your illustrations/characters into toys?
No.

Any other Indian Illustrators who you admire?
I love the work of Satyajit Ray, Mario Miranda, Samir Mandal, Subrata Gangopadhyay, among others.

Do you have any favorite fellow illustrators or resources relating to your fields?
Yes, quite a few. I’d probably leave someone out if I start naming names, so I’ll skip that.

You have such a wide experience as a top working professional. What advice do you have for aspiring creative professionals? Would you advise them to take on Illustration as a career option? Is it paying well enough?
My advice would be to figure out the best you can do. It may not be easy, but it’s not impossible either. It’s a bit like exercise… pushing yourself just a little when it feels hardest makes a big difference over time. This is something I remind myself of as well. I don’t have to be great, I just want to be a little better than I am now.

Yes, why not? If you love illustrating, you get to do what you love, and someone might even pay you for it.
As for money, I don’t know… what’s enough for one person may not be enough for someone else. My father used to say artists only make money after they die, and I accepted that a long time ago. It might be even worse now that most of my work is digital 😀
But it is rewarding. Being an artist is rewarding.

Whats your dream project?
Creating an animated world called Veenland, where animals are hardcore Bollywood fans… and making animated films for adults.

Mac or PC?
Mac.

Who would you like to take out for dinner?
All my extended family members. We haven’t all been together for a while

What’s are you listening to right now?
I listen to a lot of Coke Studio; Indian, Pakistani, Bangladeshi. Arnob, who curates Coke Studio Bangla, was my classmate at Santiniketan.
Right now, I’m really liking Zaho de Sagazan. She’s great.

Whats your Twitter Handle? Instagram?
I’m not on Twitter. Instagram: sukanto_d